Reducing Reconsolidation of Trauma Memories With Propranolol

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The purpose of this study is to test whether propranolol is capable of reducing subsequent physiological trauma-related conditioned responses, as well as self-reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

This arm involves recalling the traumatic event after administration of propranolol

Drug: Propranolol

1mg per Kg (participant weight)

Experimental: Placebo + Memory reactivation

This arm involves recalling the traumatic event after administration of a placebo

Drug: Propranolol

1mg per Kg (participant weight)

Experimental: Placebo + No Memory Reactivation

This arm involves administration of a placebo without recalling the traumatic event

Drug: Propranolol

1mg per Kg (participant weight)

Experimental: Propranolol + No Memory Reactivation

This arm involves administration of propranolol without recalling the traumatic event

Drug: Propranolol

1mg per Kg (participant weight)

Open-label Propranolol + Memory Reactivation

All participants terminating the double-blind phase of the study will receive open-label reconsolidation blockade treatment with propranolol combined with recall of the traumatic event for six weeks.

Drug: Short acting + long acting propranolol + memory reactivation

After completing the double-blind phase of the study, participants will receive short acting propranolol 1mg/kg (patient weight) + long acting propranolol (1 or 1.5 mg/kg) followed by memory reactivation. Dose level for the long-acting propranolol will be randomly assigned across participants.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 65 Years (Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Suffer from chronic PTSD for at least 6 consecutive months;

Obtain a score of 33 or more on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised:

For participants aged 40 years: accept to undergo an electrocardiogram assessment. The results of the electrocardiogram must be normal;

Accept to not commence taking new medications on a regular basis during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Hypotension;

Cardiac rhythm below 55 beats per minute;

Medical conditions that contraindicates the administration of propranolol;

Previous adverse reaction to, or non-compliance with, beta-blockers;

Current use of medication that may involve potentially dangerous interactions with propranolol;